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As many senior citizens know, there is no such thing as a "sexpiration" date, and many seniors have active, regular sex throughout their lives. In fact, a study performed by the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago found that many seniors are still enjoying intimacy with their partners; statistics show that 84 percent of men and 62 percent of women aged 57 to 64 reported having sex with a partner in the past year.

While it is wonderful that older individuals are enjoying sex, the reality is that they didn't grow up in an era of safer-sex practices: Seniors haven’t been targeted the way that young people have regarding education about sexually transmitted infections. The older generation didn't begin their sex lives in the shadow of the AIDS scare or receive free condoms in school. Furthermore, because there is no fear of getting pregnant, many don’t even consider using condoms and — if they do — might have a harder time negotiating for safer-sex practices with a partner. In addition, doctors aren’t as likely to raise the issue of condom use with their elderly patients, and this population isn’t likely to get tested for HIV/AIDS.

In general, senior citizens are less likely to realize the grave risk involved with unsafe sex and the impact that sexually transmitted infections (STIs, formerly known as STDs) could have on their health. Any infection, even a minor one that can be cleared up with antibiotics, is riskier for older individuals, especially if they already have existing health issues. Not to mention, many seniors might not be aware of the signs and symptoms of STIs and are too embarrassed to bring up such concerns with their general practitioners, who may not even consider looking for evidence of them.

The good news is that new studies on sex among seniors will illuminate the importance of safer-sex practices. They will also help get a dialogue started between doctor and patient, as well as among couples of all ages. Remember, regardless of your age, you should always practice safer sex, including using condoms during intercourse and condoms/dental dams during oral sex. Your health is too important to risk.

Laura Berman, PhD is a leading sex and relationship educator and therapist, popular TV and radio host, New York Times best-selling author, and assistant clinical professor of ob-gyn and psychiatry at the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University in Chicago. She is the star of Couples in Crisis, on the Everyday Health Channel, every Thursday at 1pm EST.

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